Why your hayfever may be bad at the moment
Sneezing, itchy and running eyes, or a scratchy throat. All can take the pleasure out of a sunny summers day, and all could be due to pollen levels in your area.Over the next few days very high grass pollen levels are predicted across the UK.Some respite should come for some from Sunday onwards as we move to slightly breezier, more changeable conditions.And you're not on your own as pollen-induced hayfever affects approximately 13 million people in the UK and around 95% of those cases can be attributed to grass.
We are currently just past the peak of the grass pollen season, which generally runs from late May to early July.However, we can expect regional variations in the length and potency of that across the UK.In northern Scotland it tends to be shorter, but in areas such as south-east England grass pollen can continue to affect some people all the way through until early September.It's not just grass pollen that could be the cause of those sneezes at the moment either.Weed pollen and fungal spores are also on the rise as they head towards their summer peak. Whilst dry and warm weather are often responsible too, some types of fungal spores, such as Leptosphaeria can increase temporarily during downpours.If you're very badly affected at the moment you might be pleased to know that this year grass pollen levels aren't expected to be above average over all. Met Office spokesperson Stephen Dixon said this is due to the UK weather in late spring where the combination of warm weather increased grass growth, but the dry conditions conversely reduced that growing potential."While short dry spells and high temperatures mid-season can increase pollen levels, over a prolonged period this could lead to depletion of the available pollen on the plants," he added.
When are pollen levels at their highest?
Pollen levels can vary from day to day, even hour to hour depending on weather conditions.Levels are at their highest during dry and in warm weather, but can decline if the dry spell is a prolonged one.The onset of rainfall helps to dampen down pollen, but the return of a dry and sunny spell can see a sudden rise in levels again.Time of day can be crucial too. Hayfever can be at it's worst early morning and from late afternoon onwards. On sunny days, these are the times when winds tend to be at their lightest and the pollen is concentrated in the lower atmosphere, close to nose and eyes.
Is there anything I can do to avoid pollen?
It's not an easy thing to avoid here in the UK.A first step could be to check the forecast where you are. Up to date forecasts are available on the BBC Weather website and app from late spring to early autumn.Just search for your location and you will find the latest data alongside the UV forecast.
If you are particularly susceptible to hayfever try to avoid being outdoors early and in late in the day when pollen levels can be at their worst.Showering and changing your clothes once you've returned home can help to reduce the symptoms.Also be mindful when hanging washing out on high pollen days. Pollen landing on clothes and sheets can then be easily brought indoors.And don't forget our beloved pets. Limit contact or wash hands after handling them if they have also been outside.If you want to escape high pollen days sometimes a trip to the coast may help. However, you will need a location where there is a steady wind coming in off the sea and not the land.
Is climate change affecting the pollen season?
Like much of the natural world, our changing climate is likely to impact pollen levels in the UK in the years ahead.According to a Government report on the health affects of climate change in the UK, external there are three ways a warming world could impact pollen patternsChanges in temperature and rainfall patterns could lengthen the pollen season and increase pollen concentrations.It is possible that pollen particles could become more potent, with greater amounts of the allergy causing agent on them.A changing distribution of allergenic plants across the UK, including invasive species, could see potential pollen levels increase in some areas.
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